Unveiling the Unprecedented: Shallan Meiers Opens Up About Overcoming Fear in Daring 'Secrets of Playboy' Photoshoot

Years prior to Holly Madison becoming a celebrity on The Girls Next Door, Playboy had a reality show focused on finding a new model. One contestant is now sharing her experience on the Fox special in an exclusive clip from season 2 of Secrets of Playboy, airing on Monday, July 10, on A+E.

While working as a waitress at Spago in Las Vegas, Meiers encountered a Playboy scout who inquired about the authenticity of her breasts. Meiers vividly recalls her astonished facial expression, conveying her surprise. Stating her age of only 20, the scout suggested she consult her mother regarding the matter.

At that time, Meiers had never laid eyes upon a Playboy issue, prompting her mother to recommend perusing a copy to gauge her comfort level after viewing the photos.

Shallan Meiers Youtube

Meiers recalled gazing at the captivating images in Playboy and being struck by the beauty of the women. However, she doubted that she could ever measure up to their seemingly flawless appearance. The magazine had sparked her curiosity, but the thought of posing nude still made her somewhat anxious. Meiers acknowledged the potential of the opportunity that the scout had presented to her, but she questioned whether she could overcome her reservations. She confided in her mother, expressing her uncertainty about being comfortable enough to go through with it. Her mother's response was simple yet encouraging: "Well, there's only one way to find out."

At that moment, Meiers had an overwhelming shyness that made her feel uneasy about walking around in her bathing suit. Despite her fear, she decided to step out of her comfort zone because she didn't want to live with any regrets in the future.

Shallan Meiers, pictured here in 2006, participated in the 2002 Fox competition show called "The Girl Next Door: The Search for a Playboy Centerfold." Although she made it to the semifinals along with six other contestants, she lost to Lauren Anderson, who became the Playmate of the Month in July of the same year.

Anderson is slated to make an appearance in the upcoming second season of Secrets of Playboy, delving into the aftermath of various women's involvement with the brand. The first season, which featured interviews with Madison, 43, and Bridget Marquardt, aired last year.

After sharing her experience with the show's creators, Madison admitted that watching the docuseries was challenging for her. In an episode of her "Girls Next Level" podcast in August 2022, she revealed, "I watched all of them except episode two. I don't want to relive my trauma by watching myself talk about it again. It's too much for me. However, I did watch every other episode, which were released over 12 weeks. Unfortunately, I had nightmares after watching them. I dreamt that I was back at the mansion every single night following Secrets of Playboy."

Secrets of Playboy season 2 premieres on A+E Monday, July 10, at 9 p.m. ET.